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Timbuktu. Mali: One of the
Great Historic Cities of the
World
 A
land of old civilizations, unique cultures, colorful life
and unmatched hospitality
by
Mariama Ludovic de Lys
Mali was the core of the
great empires of the western Sudan : Ghana, Mali, and
Songhai, with centers of trade, learning, and culture in
such cities as Djenné, Timbuktu, and Gao. The state
of Ghana originated early in the Christian era and reached
its apogee betweem 950 and 1050. The empire of Mali
originated in the 11th century, and its period of greatness
began under Sundiata, who ruled from 1235 to 1255 and
reached its peak in the early 14th century under Mansa Musa,
who extended the empire until it reached from the Atlantic
coast to east of Gao. The
decline of Mali was rapid, although the kings continued to
rule until 1645. Its place was taken by the Songhoi Empire
of Gao, whose great kings were Sunni Ali from 1464 to 1492,
and Askia Muhammad, from 1493 to 1528. At its greatest
extent, Songhoi reached from the Atlantic to Kano and
included most modern Mali and parts of Guinea. Most of the
empire was destroyed by Moroccan invasion in
1 591.
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In the 17th and 18th
centuries, several small states developed along the Niger
basin, notably that of Segu. The states fell during the
mid-19th-century holy war waged by the muslin leader
al-Hadjj Umar, whose theocratic empire extended from
Timbuktu to the headwaters of the Niger and the Senegal. His
son and successor, Ahmadu, was defeated by the French in
1893.
In 1904 modern Mali was
made part of the French colony of Haut-Senegal-Niger and in
1920 was constituted the French Sudan, as a constituent
territory of French West Africa.
African political activity
was banned by the French in Mali until after World War II
(1939-1945). Various parties that were then formed
eventually merged to form the Sudanese Union, which became
the Malian section of the interterritorial African
Democratic Rally. By the time of the 1957 reforms, the union
was the main party.
In 1958 the French Sudan
voted to join the new French Community, and was proclaimed
the Sudanese Republic on November 24, 1958. On January 17,
1959, it joined with Senegal to form the Federation of Mali,
which proclaimed its independence June 20, 1960, with Modibo
Keita as president. The federation broke up in September 22,
1960. The later that same month the Republic became a member
of the United Nations.
SIGHTSEEING IN
MALI - TIMBUKTU:
THE PEARL OF THE DESERT
 Timbuktu
was formerly a great commercial trading city and an
international center of islamic learning. The city was
probably founded in the late 11th century AD by Tuareg
nomads. Timbuktu was a leading terminus of trans-Saharan
caravans and a distribution point for trade along the upper
Niger. Merchants from northern African cities traded salt
and cloth for gold and for black African slaves in the
markets of Timbuktu. The visitors will discovered the
ancient mosques including the famous Sankore whose
reputation spanned all across north Africa and Europe as a
leading islamic academy for centuries. Most of the ancient
books (some dating from the 14th century AD) are still
preserved at the Ahmed Baba Center . Tuareg formed one of
the most ancient tribal people of the Sahara. They speak a
Berber language, Tamacheq, and have their own alphabet. In
ancient times, the Tuareg controlled the trans-Sahara routes
and substantially contributed in the expansion of Islam in
sub-Saharan Africa even though they retained however some of
their older rites. Today, the Tuareg symbolize the mysteries
of the Sahara and continued to be seen as the Masters of the
Desert.
* MOPTI: THE VENICE OF
MALI:
The city of Mopti is known
as the ''Venice of Mali''. Mopti is situated at the
confluence of the Bani and Niger rivers, and is built on
several interconnected islands. It is from the river that
one can best observe the commercial and social activities of
the town. . Mopti is literally teaming with traditional
traders offering a variety of locally-produced commodities
and beautiful artifacts.
* DJENNE: MALI 'S
ARCHITECTURAL JEWEL
Founded in the 4th century,
Djenné has scarcely changed since the Middle Ages. In
the 13th-15th centuries, Djenne was a rival of Timbuktu for
the wealth of the Trans-Saharan trade. The city is located
on an island in the inland Niger delta, and is surrounded by
mud brick walls.
As well as making a visit
to the archaeological site of Djenné Djeno that looks
backward in time over a 1.000 years. Generation after
generation, a guild of highly skilled master-builders, the
Baris, have ensured Djenné's architectural integrity.
The atmosphere in the streets brings the traveller back to
medieval times.
* DOGON
COUNTRY
 The
Dogon country is one of the most extraordinary places on
earth. In the 11th century, the Dogons fled the advancing
Arabs coming from the north, and found shelter in one of
West Africa's most inhospitable areas. Protection from their
enemies was obtained by building their villages high up on
the vertical faces of the 125 miles long escarpment.
Multi-storey houses, granaries and burial sites were all
built out of harm way. This is such a unique place that the
UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site.
The Dogons are animist,
worshipping their ancestors and the spirits of nature. They
have preserved their traditions down through the centuries
and, are considered to be one of the most original
civilizations of West Africa.
West African Air
Services Limited (West Air) with many years of
experience within the tourism industry in Mali has
established superior and personalized services. We are
venturing to new places to provide you with something
memorable and exciting.
All our adventures are
tailored to the best available facilities and are designed
to fulfill your needs and the most comfortable and
affordable settings. We also offer a unique experience close
to nature, people and ancient civilizations of Mali by
four-wheel drive, camels and boats and planes.
Our team of experienced
personnel pay particular attention to your requirements in
Mali and will make you feel at home away from home. Welcome
to our World!
Mariama Ludovic de
Lys, Director
Company name : West Africa Tours
email :
westair@afribone.net.ml /mariamaludovic@yahoo.com
tel : 223 228 8157 /fax : 223 228 52 32, BP E 1642, Bamako
/Mali
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